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United Kingdom Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK — apply online or via the UK ETA app for about £16, get approval within minutes to 3 days, and use it for multiple visits of up to 6 months each over 2 years.

Guide last updated October 3, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the duration of your trip (no minimum 6-month rule, but a passport nearing expiry may cause ETA issues).
  • An ETA application completed online at gov.uk/check-uk-visa or via the official 'UK ETA' app.
  • A digital passport photo taken as part of the app/online process.
  • Details of your passport (number, issue/expiry dates).
  • An email address and payment card for the application fee.
  • No proof of funds or accommodation is required at application stage, though border officers can still ask on arrival.
  • Biometric facial photo is captured as part of the ETA app process; no fingerprints required for US citizens with an ETA.

Visa types

  • Standard ETA: for tourism, visiting family/friends, short business trips, or transit; multiple entries, valid 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever is sooner), allows stays of up to 6 months per visit; fee approximately £16.
  • There is no separate 'business ETA' — short business visits (meetings, conferences) fall under the same standard ETA.
  • Longer stays, work, or study require a full UK visa (e.g., Skilled Worker visa, Student visa) applied for in advance — not covered by the ETA.

How to apply online

  • Apply through the official 'UK ETA' mobile app or at gov.uk/check-uk-visa — avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees for the same service.
  • Enter your passport details, upload or take a live photo, and answer a short set of eligibility questions.
  • Pay the application fee (around £16) by debit or credit card.
  • Most applications are approved within minutes, though the UK government advises allowing up to 3 business days, and occasionally longer if further checks are needed.
  • The ETA is linked electronically to your passport — you don't need a printed copy, but it's wise to have the approval confirmation email accessible when you travel.

Fees & processing time

  • ETA fee: approximately £16 (about USD 20), paid online at application.
  • No separate service fee, since the official app/website is the only channel — avoid third-party sites that charge a markup.
  • Standard processing time: typically within minutes, officially up to 3 business days.
  • No express/priority option exists or is needed given the fast standard turnaround.
  • Total cost for most travelers is just the base £16 fee.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Apply for your ETA at least a few days before travel, even though approval is usually near-instant, in case extra checks are triggered.
  • Use only the official gov.uk site or the UK ETA app — third-party 'visa assistance' sites charge inflated fees for the same free-to-apply process.
  • Remember the ETA covers up to 6 months per visit but is valid for repeat use over 2 years — you don't need to reapply for each trip within that window.
  • If your passport is renewed, you'll need a new ETA linked to the new passport number.
  • The ETA does not guarantee entry — UK Border Force officers still make the final decision on arrival, so carry evidence of your travel plans and ability to support yourself just in case.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.